First Offense OWI/DUI in Wisconsin

Unfortunately, Wisconsin has more drunks behind the wheel than any other state.
At least 25% of drivers in Wisconsin admitted that they had driven under the
influence of alcohol. At least 45% of fatal car accidents in Wisconsin were
alcohol related. Wisconsin employs differing sentencing requirements for first
offense DUI charges.

Administrative Penalties

Drivers, pending upon arrest under
suspicion of first offense DUI, will face administrative license
suspension of six months, unless otherwise contested successfully at an
administrative hearing. Having legal counsel during this process is
essential. Drivers who refuse to take a chemical test face one-year
suspension of their licenses.

License suspension can be reduced
or modified, in the form of an occupational or hardship based license

To get an idea of how much a first offense DUI will cost you, see our article on the cost of a DUI.

Criminal Penalties

First offense DUI/OWI convictions
in Wisconsin carry no mandatory period of incarceration

Fines applicable to first offense
convictions range from $150 to $300, but these fines do not include costs
incurred during completion of other sentencing items, such as probation requirements,
alcohol testing, or defensive driving courses

Alcohol assessment is required in
all DUI/OWI cases in Wisconsin

Getting Legal Help

The state of Wisconsin does not expressly bar reduction of DUI/OWI
charges into lesser criminal offenses. A defendant or the driver’s attorney may
be able to negotiate a highly favorable plea agreement, or obtain outright
dismissal of charges, depending on the case-specific nature of the DUI/OWI case.
Consult with a Wisconsin DUI/OWI lawyer to learn more.